Capacity planning

Maximising capacity

NATS can provide statistical analyses and fast-time simulation modelling to determine the capacity at airports anywhere in the world. Our studies take in runways, stands, taxi ways and airspace; in fact anything associated with the air traffic management network.
We can also support the capacity declaration process at UK airports.

We provide statistical analyses and fast-time simulation modelling to determine the capacity at airports anywhere in the world.

Helping to meet increasing demand

Using tools and techniques we’ve developed over a number of years, we calculate the key statistics used to monitor operational performance, and determine the current levels of delay. The results reveal where changes to the capacity limits are possible to improve the delays, and meet the demand for slots for the scheduling season.

Any proposed changes to the capacity limits are modelled through the NATS Fast-Time simulation tools, which provide a forecast of future levels of delay. These can then be considered before making the final decision on what the airport operator will declare as the new capacity limits for the scheduling season.

Working at the world’s busiest airports

We carry out capacity enhancement at London Heathrow, the world’s busiest dual runway airport. We have developed our expertise in reacting to changes in fleets, and measuring data down to microseconds to provide a detailed picture of where we can make improvements.

We are currently working on capacity improvement projects in many countries including India, Japan and Bahrain – to find out more about our work around the world, visit our interactive world map.